Sheltered Politicians: D.C. officials plea for shelter from shutdown

Fighting to carve the District of Columbia out of the government shutdown fight, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton deployed more than 100 people to lobby senators Wednesday, asking them to vote on a House-passed bill that would give the city the right to stay open using its own money.

Among the recruits were those who rely on city services that could be halted if the shutdown continues.

“Free D.C.,” the group chanted.

Ms. Norton, who led the rally and was joined by Mayor Vincent Gray and Rep. Darrell Issa, California Republican, tried to quiet the protesters, fearing they would upset nearby Democratic senators who were holding a press conference of their own. Instead she urged her troops to…